Bill Hoffman
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Published in Medway & Millis Town News on April 28, 2026
By Judy Moffatt
Bill Hoffman was a Medway resident for more than 40 years and was easy to spot as he drove around town in his 1924 Model T. He passed away in March from ALS, and his family hopes to find a new driver in time for this year’s Memorial Day parade.
Hoffman began what he fondly called his “retirement” job at the Medway Public Library in 1995. Bringing decades of experience in the computer industry, he created the library’s first website and designed signage and print materials. At the circulation desk, he became known for his quick wit and remarkable knack for finding answers.
But his favorite role was delivering books for the library’s “Outreach Program” behind the wheel of his gleaming black 1924 Model T. Fully registered for street use, the car doubled as his delivery vehicle, delighting patrons as he arrived with both their books and a piece of living history. Many older residents fondly recalled family members who had driven similar cars.
A 30-year member of the Model T Club, Hoffman took pride in sharing his passion for the past. As recently as Sept. 20, 2025, he entered the car in Medway’s “Endless Summer Cruise-In,” where it was judged by representatives from the Lars Anderson Car Museum and won a trophy. The award recognized the vehicle’s unique balance of restoration and original condition—featuring details such as a wind-up clock, map light, original seat backs, spotlight, and taillight. Judges were especially charmed by the antique doctor’s bag mounted on the running board, a nod to the type of owner who might have driven such a car in 1924. They dubbed the category the “Fifty-Fifty,” honoring the blend of restored and original elements.
Hoffman and his Model T were also a familiar sight in Medway’s parades, where the car’s distinctive chug, brass bulb horn, and playful wolf whistle drew cheers from spectators lining the streets.
His final parade appearance was in Medway’s Memorial Day Parade in May 2025. His wish was for the Model T to continue bringing joy to the community he loved. To honor that wish, his family is seeking someone new to take the wheel and carry on the tradition for future generations.
If you’d like to see the car, you can visit it at Hoffman’s Celebration of Life and ALS Fundraiser on Sun., June 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, where members from the Model T club will be bringing their cars, along with Bill’s Model T.
For more information on driving the car or the Celebration of Life, please contact Judy at Hoffmoff@JudithMoffatt.com
Donations in Bill Hoffman’s memory can be made to Compassionate Care ALS at ccals.org, or CCALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.